A: WhiteStarUML was started by reusing StarUML 5.0 source code on the GPL terms. It implies that a big part of the current codebase was created by the StarUML 5.0 developers more than 10 years before WhiteStarUML was launched and none of the persons currently working on this project participated in the initial design and development. As a consequence, the knowledge of the code was often acquired through the code archeology approach and there still exist areas without any working knowledge about them. Inevitably it leads to the existence of various rusty parts without any known solution.
Q: How does WhiteStarUML differ from StarUML 5.0?
A: The biggest feature is that it does not differ much and it offers all functionality that was appreciated in the original StarUML. The added functionality makes the program more compatible with modern versions of Windows like having a 64-bit version, compatibility with UAC (no need to run with Administrator rights), handling Unicode strings, antialiased drawing and support for high DPI. Of course, there exists also a long list of the fixed bugs which can be found in the file README.txt.
Q: What makes WhiteStarUML behave incorrectly after installation?
A: First you should not install this program on an OS older than Windows 7. Definitely, it requires .Net Framework 4.0 (or newer) preinstalled on the machine before starting the installation. It is provided out of the box on Windows 8 and 10 but may require a separate installation or an OS update on Windows 7. In some cases like Windows Server OS the installer may be blocked from running external utilities. To help with this issue there is a small installFix.bat script in the program directory.
Q: How to reset WhiteStarUML?
A: All program setting are stored under the Registry key:
HKCU\Software\WhiteStarUML. Deleting that key will restore the program to the built-in settings. Sometimes reinstallation may be needed as well.
Q: How can I address poor performances?
This program is using Direct2D for antialiased diagram drawing. This was observed to be slow on computers hosting virtual machines. In such a case it can be disabled through the settings: Tools-Options-Environment-General-Use Direct2D. Another issue may be related to the used UI theme. Choose View-UI Theme-Native for fastest UI performances.
Q: Why my diagram created with StarUML shows with errors in WhiteStarUML?
A: It may happen. While no breaking changes are known both programs are not bug for bug compatible and various issues with duplicate elements or DPI settings may show up.
Last edit: Janusz Szpilewski 2017-05-14
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WhiteStarUML FAQ
Q: What does it mean that WhiteStarUML is forked?
A: WhiteStarUML was started by reusing StarUML 5.0 source code on the GPL terms. It implies that a big part of the current codebase was created by the StarUML 5.0 developers more than 10 years before WhiteStarUML was launched and none of the persons currently working on this project participated in the initial design and development. As a consequence, the knowledge of the code was often acquired through the code archeology approach and there still exist areas without any working knowledge about them. Inevitably it leads to the existence of various rusty parts without any known solution.
Q: How does WhiteStarUML differ from StarUML 5.0?
A: The biggest feature is that it does not differ much and it offers all functionality that was appreciated in the original StarUML. The added functionality makes the program more compatible with modern versions of Windows like having a 64-bit version, compatibility with UAC (no need to run with Administrator rights), handling Unicode strings, antialiased drawing and support for high DPI. Of course, there exists also a long list of the fixed bugs which can be found in the file README.txt.
Q: What makes WhiteStarUML behave incorrectly after installation?
A: First you should not install this program on an OS older than Windows 7. Definitely, it requires .Net Framework 4.0 (or newer) preinstalled on the machine before starting the installation. It is provided out of the box on Windows 8 and 10 but may require a separate installation or an OS update on Windows 7. In some cases like Windows Server OS the installer may be blocked from running external utilities. To help with this issue there is a small installFix.bat script in the program directory.
Q: How to reset WhiteStarUML?
A: All program setting are stored under the Registry key:
HKCU\Software\WhiteStarUML. Deleting that key will restore the program to the built-in settings. Sometimes reinstallation may be needed as well.
Q: How can I address poor performances?
This program is using Direct2D for antialiased diagram drawing. This was observed to be slow on computers hosting virtual machines. In such a case it can be disabled through the settings: Tools-Options-Environment-General-Use Direct2D. Another issue may be related to the used UI theme. Choose View-UI Theme-Native for fastest UI performances.
Q: Why my diagram created with StarUML shows with errors in WhiteStarUML?
A: It may happen. While no breaking changes are known both programs are not bug for bug compatible and various issues with duplicate elements or DPI settings may show up.
Last edit: Janusz Szpilewski 2017-05-14